Can I change water company

Englesman

I have been having huge problems with Southern Water regarding the new water meter that they have fitted. It's huge and I cant fit my new downstairs toilet because of it. They keep fobbing me off with excuses (eg shared water supply) and keep giving me dates that they will contact me by which go by without a peep from them until I write and compain again. I have had a spinal operation and need a dowstairs toilet but can't have it fitted because of them. Any ideas?:mad:

ic

Water is not yet a free market, you can only get it from your local supplier. My guess if written formal complaint, followed by a complaint to the Consumer Council for Water if you're still not satisfied.

Englesman

Thanks for that. I have threatened to go higher but I wasn't sure who to go to....

Grichardallen

I should also contact your MP as well as this is a major medical issue, and also mention in your letter to water board something along the lines of:
“If I find your response to be less than satisfactory I will have no other option than to take his matter further by contacting Consumer Council for Water and My Local MP”
Make sure they know this other wise they will keep fobbing you off!!

Richard

1trainer1

you could try writing to OFWAT....i think thats their name....they deal with the office of fair trading with water compnaies and they may be able to help you

Grichardallen

1trainer1 wrote: »

you could try writing to OFWAT....i think thats their name....they deal with the office of fair trading with water compnaies and they may be able to help you

yes good point but they are to contact after consumer council, As stated here -- https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/consumerissues/complaints/

deanos

You can always have it relocated, it would be chargeable but you could get a plumber to do it or yourself as long as it meets the regs , but you need permission first before you touch it and it will be inspected afterwards , it does need to be at point of entry so bear that in mind

Do not contact consumer council or ofwat until you have exhausted all avenues with the water company first tho

Goldenyears

A free market in water supply would need someone to work out who the responsible "water undertaker" really was in the various Water (quality) Regulations. Water quality is a serious health issue. If we all had separate non-potable supplies then I suppose a free market is possible in those.